Certificate contributes to programme success

Jan Denton (left) and Susan Dixon (right).

When Papakowhai School in Porirua took over the running of their after school programme from a private provider it could have been a huge headache.

But good planning, great staff, and access to staff training by distance through the Open Polytechnic has seen the programme continue to grow.

Susan Dixon is the supervisor for the Papakowhai After School Care programme. Her previous career was in the disability sector, so when she moved into the field of after school care and recreation she wanted to be sure she had the right skills behind her.

The Open Polytechnic’s Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) Certificate suited her perfectly.

“My studies were very relevant for what we were doing in our programme,” says Susan, who completed her qualification in 2009.

“It gave me more of an insight into after school programmes and the workings of children at their different ages and stages.”

Susan wasn’t alone in her study journey. Friend Jan Denton started work at the programme shortly afterwards, and signed up for the certificate at the same time.

“Susan coerced me!” laughs Jan.

“Because we were both new to the field there were lots of rules and regulations we didn’t know. Although we are both mums with grown up children, it gives parents more confidence when they know we have training behind us.”

Their principal was also supportive. Deciding two heads were better than one, the school paid for both the women’s studies.

“It’s a great work environment, and the school is happy to further staff development”, says Susan.

Endorsed by the OSCAR Foundation and NZQA approved, the Open Polytechnic’s OSCAR Certificate is a 40 credit, Level 4 qualification that equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to provide quality care and learning experiences for children aged 5-13 years in out of school programmes (before school, after school and holiday) at assistant level.

Topics covered include working professionally, health and safety, biculturalism, positive behaviour guidance, special needs and programme planning.

Because study with the Open Polytechnic is by distance, study materials are delivered to the student’s door, meaning they can study in their own time wherever it suits them. Lecturer support is provided through e-mail or freephone.

Both Susan and Jan say they enjoyed learning at their own pace. They would also get together to share ideas and discuss what they were learning.

“We have different strengths. Jan is very intuitive and I am good at reading body language”, says Susan.

Studying together and working with the same children meant both women could balance out each other’s strengths in different situations.

When Papakowhai School took over the after school programme, it only had eight children enrolled. Now it has a roll of 40 children and employs four staff.

Although Jan no longer works full-time at the programme, Susan credits her enthusiasm for teaching the children crafts with some of the programme’s success.

“Our programme keeps growing. I think it’s because the children really love being there. Our programme is all about having fun and keeping fit, while at the same time staying safe”, says Susan.